“With you, I’m always hopeful.”
She laughed and ripped the packet open with her teeth. “I’ve never put one on before.”
Preston put his hands behind his head. “I’ll gladly be your first.”
Her grin widened. She leaned forward and kissed the tip of his cock before opening her mouth wider and sucking him down to the tip. Preston hissed through his teeth. But she didn’t continue, only wanted to tease him.
She lifted up and placed the condom on his cock head then slowly unrolled it to the base, stroking over him as she went.
“God, that’s hot,” he murmured.
“It’s gonna get hotter,” she replied. “You make me so wet.” She lifted her hips and, gripping his cock against her slippery pussy opening, slowly impaled herself.
He closed his eyes, savoring the moment.
She tugged on his hair and he growled low in his throat, sitting up slightly to grip her face as he plunged his tongue into her mouth and his hard cock deeper inside her. The feel of him inside her as she moved back and forth generated lavalike heat.
She continued grinding herself onto him and moaning at the pleasure of his cock filling her. He squeezed her ass as he pushed deeper into her, their movements in perfect synchronization. They kissed, letting their mouths roam over bare skin. He sucked at her nipples, tugging lightly with his teeth.
She rode hard, her nails finding anchor in his shoulders. She spread her thighs wider, her toes tickled by the hair of his calves. She ground her hips against him, her clit against his pelvis. She moved faster and faster, the two of them moving with speed and abandon, trying to get the one thing they were looking for, trying to fulfill each other’s needs.
She cried out as the first explosion hit her. Wave after wave of pleasure careened through her body. She moved with the waves, never wanting them to end, and sped up when she heard him moan as he reached his peak.
It was over too quickly.
They moved back and forth slowly, letting the chills and thrills of their heated sex die down as they clung to one another.
“You are one special woman,” Preston said, breathing hard. His shirt was soaked. His perfectly tied tie was askew.
“You make it easy.” She slowly slipped off him, feeling empty without him inside her.
She snuggled beside him, enjoying the moment. They watched the flickering firelight side by side, his arm around her, her head against his chest.
How much more real did she want it?
Her inner thighs were wet from their lovemaking and would leave a stain on her dress.
“I’m going to go freshen up,” she said, sitting up.
“I’ll show you where the guest bathroom is.” He tucked himself back into his pants and zipped up the zipper.
Overwhelming desire possessed her as she watched him zip. Something about watching him do such a simple task made her want to jump his bones again.
He noticed her staring at his crotch and motioned with a curled finger for her to look up at his face.
“See something you like?” he asked with his eyebrow raised and a crooked smile on his face.
“Oh yeah,” she replied with a crooked smile of her own. With someone else she would’ve been embarrassed, even mortified. She couldn’t get over how she became a different person when she was with him.
“Uh hmm.” They heard the noise from behind and whipped their heads around.
“Yes, Edwin?” Preston said. He looked as if he was struggling to keep from bursting out laughing.
“My apologies, sir, but dinner is served.”
“We’ll be there momentarily,” Preston said, back in control.
The butler nodded and walked away just as silently as he came. Cadence turned to Preston.
“Thanks,” she said. “Thanks for the bracelet and for all you’ve done for me.”
He laughed tightly. “Part of the service.”
“Is that what I am, a conquest?” She meant to tease but the question came out like a scorpion with a barbed tail.
“Absolutely. In that dress, I’m your slave.”
She exhaled. He’d given the answer she needed to hear. “I’m sorry. It’s the Burke family curse to be cynical.”
“You’re no longer a Burke.”
“I know. I’m not Cadence Burke but who am I?”‘
He took her hand and kissed each of her fingers. “That’s not a question I can answer.”
She couldn’t either and she didn’t want to spoil the evening with a discussion about her family.
“Show me the loo,” she said, jumping to her feet. He stood and she followed him down the hall. They entered a “man cave”.
“Fifty-inch flat screen,” he said.
His television was a monster.
“Very impressive.”
“Thank you. I had hoped for that very reaction.” He wore an expression of satisfaction.
“When do you have time to watch TV?”
“Unfortunately, I don’t get a chance very often.”
“So the flat screen is a prop.”
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Nothing.” She was ashamed she could be such a bitch.
“Do you like movies?” he asked, recovering.
“I love movies.”
“Would I be completely out of line if I suggested that we watch a movie and cozy up by the fire after dinner?”
“Of course not,” she said. It sounded like the perfect evening.
“Do you have anything in mind that you want to see?” he asked.
“Besides you naked?”
“Beside that.”
“I love most movies.”
“Okay, how about a real blood-and-guts movie?” he asked.
“Uh, no.”
“I figured. How about another surprise?” he asked.
“As long as it either makes me smile, horny or both.”
“Ah, I have the perfect film.”
“I can’t wait.”
He led the way. They walked down a second hallway, this one brightly lit, and entered a room.
The décor was exquisite, with the center of attraction a large, king-sized bed.
“My room.” He spoke with pride.
“You’re asking me to spend the night?”
“I hope you will.”
“I’m packed and have a ticket for the eleven o’clock train for New Haven.”
Preston rested his arm around her shoulders. “Frank will take you in the morning.”
“You know, you can be very persuasive.”
“That’s what I’ve been told.”
A niggling doubt surfaced. Was she another of his conquests?
“What do you say? I promise it’ll be a night you’ll never forget.”
“Put that way, how can I say no?”
He kissed the lobe of her ear. It was a fleeting kiss but she was convinced he meant what he’d said.
Chapter Twelve
When Cadence came out of the bathroom, Preston was leaning against the door, looking sexier than her poor heart could handle. He’d changed his shirt and left the top button open. He’d run a comb through his damp hair.
“Rather informal for you, isn’t it?” She pointed to the missing tie.
“A tie slows me down when I’m trying to get undressed.”
“We can’t have that,” she replied.
He dangled a pretty scarf in front of her.
“Why Preston, we haven’t had dinner yet and already you want to play bedroom games?” she teased because it was so much fun to see him getting turned on.
“Not a bad idea,” he replied without missing a beat. “Turn around.”
She did as he asked, her pussy already tingling in anticipation. Preston came up behind her, his entire length molding to her back. Her breaths quickened as his fingers danced over her shoulders, her collarbones and her chest. He cupped her breasts, weighing each one before lightly brushing over her nipples.
She sighed
and leaned back against him, her neck falling to the side. He kissed the column of her throat as he massaged her breasts and nipples. Then he trailed both hands lower, over her belly and then to her aching pussy. One hand thrust between her thighs and rubbed over her clit and the other trailed back up to her breasts.
She sucked in a breath, her mouth falling open. She rolled her head toward his, desperately seeking his mouth.
Preston answered her silent plea, connecting his lips to hers in a lazy kiss. His tongue pushed into her mouth and then darted back out. He nibbled at her lips as his fingers scrunched up her skirt and trailed a line over her bare thighs, until he reached her pussy.
With his thumb rubbing over her swollen, sensitive clit, his fingers thrust inside. His lazy kiss on her mouth at once turned more carnal. He sucked her tongue, scraped his teeth over her lips. With his kiss deepening, his fingers worked more furiously at her pussy. Thrusting deeper, his thumb circling her clit faster. Juices from her sex secreted over his fingers and dribbled down her thighs. How was it that he could make her so hot, so wet?
Without warning, her pussy spasmed as an orgasm claimed her. Her legs almost buckled and she moaned into Preston’s mouth.
“I like it when you come,” he whispered as he trailed a kiss from her cheek to her ear. “That was just a taste.”
“It was delicious.”
He chuckled then covered her eyes with the silky fabric, gently tying the scarf behind her head.
“Is this really necessary?”
“Yes.”
“Another surprise?” she said, shaking off any worries because his surprises were always good ones.
“Yes.”
“At least give me a clue?” she asked, laughter in her voice. “What are we about to do?”
“No clues. Relax. Just let me guide you.”
She reached out blindly. He grabbed her hand.
She gripped tightly. He tugged and placed her hand on his crotch.
“I thought you said no clues?”
He laughed. “I did. That wasn’t a clue, I just couldn’t resist.”
She squeezed. He jumped.
“Okay, no more jokes.” He jerked her hand away and began to walk very slowly, leading her, telling her about the obstacles in the way. It was all very mysterious and exciting but so was he.
“Where are you taking me?” she asked.
“Someplace special.”
“I am getting so spoiled by you, Preston. You know you’ll have to keep spoiling me when I am not a rich woman.”
“Ah, but high maintenance?”
“I could be, easily,” she replied.
They came to a stop and she waited. Preston let go of her hands and she feared he’d left the room. Where had he gone?
“Are you here?” she asked.
“I am.”
“Can I take this thing off? Can I open my eyes now?” she asked, hoping to figure out where he was with his response.
“Not yet,” he said, leaning in close, his lips tortuously brushing her ear.
Another minute passed. She heard the scraping of chairs. A match being struck. What on earth was he doing?
“Okay.” He started to untie the scarf. “I want you to keep your eyes closed.”
He removed the scarf and she shut her eyes tight as commanded.
“Your enchanted evening, my lady,” he whispered in her ear.
She opened her eyes and gasped. She stood in a solarium with a view of the stars. It was breathtaking.
“Preston, this is incredible.” Her expression must have shown how awestruck she was. Words were inadequate.
She had heard about such places but had never seen a home like this one. Of course her family had lived in a beautiful house, Gracie Mansion, which was a treasure, but the mayor’s official residence had nothing on Preston’s.
“I thought you would like it,” Preston said with pride.
A small round table for two and two cane chairs had been placed in the middle of the room. In the center of the table were two tall, white candles set in George Jensen style silver candlesticks. White damask napkins were folded ornately at the top of each plate.
“Have a seat.” Preston pulled out the chair for her.
“Thank you.” She took the seat he offered. The cushion was a plush, wine-red velvet, so comfortable, just like the rest of his house. Beauty and elegance for sure but he hadn’t excluded comfort.
As soon as he had taken his seat, she saw him motion to someone in the doorway. It was not Edwin but another man.
“Gerald, the wine please,” Preston said as if to the manor born.
“How many staff do you have?” she asked, surprised to see Gerald’s stoic face.
“Just the two,” Preston answered.
Gerald was much taller and slimmer than Edwin. He reminded her of Ichabod Crane. He poured each of them a glass of white wine.
“To fate?” Preston’s left eyebrow raised in a tantalizing way.
“To reality,” Cadence answered, her lips curved into an uncomfortable smile.
As she sipped her wine, his gaze never left hers.
“There’s something wrong,” he said.
“I was thinking about what comes next. What I mean is, the next few days will be hectic.”
“I’ll help.”
“I dread going to New Haven without you.”
“My offer to help you empty your condo still stands,” he said.
“I can’t let you. I’ll take care of moving myself. Although I’m not sure what to do with my things while I look for somewhere else to live.”
“How about coming back to the city?”
He was talking about a long-term relationship. She wanted so badly to believe him.
As he poured himself another glass of wine, Cadence entertained the idea of living in New York again. She’d hidden in New Haven the last three years, she wouldn’t deny it, because she’d tired of always looking over her shoulder, of being viewed in a fish bowl. Now that some time had passed and memories faded, maybe she could return with the anonymity she craved.
“I’ll think about it,” she said at last.
He nodded.
“I need you to do me a favor,” Cadence said as she put her glass down, noting she’d be tipsy before long if she didn’t ease up on the booze.
Preston covered her hand. “Sure.”
“I need my father’s phone number, his address, a way I can contact him.”
He let her go and picked up his glass. “What makes you think I have it?”
“Your mother called him when my mother died. The number must be in the folder she had with her this morning.”
He emptied his glass and put it back on the table. “I can’t.”
“You mean you won’t.”
He looked up at her. His smile had faded. “Calling Bryce McClain is a bad idea.”
“Because I’ll lose the money?” Her temper flared.
“Because you’ll be hurt.”
She dismissed the excuse. Hadn’t she been hurt already?
“I really need to go and find my father,” she said.
“Don’t make any decisions until you’ve carefully considered the consequences.”
“’I can’t live without knowing who he is, what he looks like, wondering if I look like him.”
“Are you willing to risk your inheritance to meet a man who might reject you?”
It was a stab in the heart. He was being intentionally cruel. “I am.”
“Cadence, I know it has only been a few days but I want you in my life. I’ve been waiting for you all my life. I can’t let you go.”
“I appreciate all you’ve done.” She sounded cold. She didn’t like being this way but for her own preservation, she couldn’t let him talk her out of finding her father.
“I was hoping for something more than appreciation,” he said, a crooked smile on his face.
She toyed with her new bracelet. He’d found his way to her heart so effortlessly
. She’d like nothing more than to stay with him a little while longer.
“I’d hoped you’d be more understanding.”
He leaned forward. “Believe me. If there was any way…”
“I’m going to Edinburgh,” she interrupted.
He frowned.
“You could come with me.” She knew how to remove that frightful scowl. “We could join the mile high club.”
“I can’t. I’ve other clients.”
“So this is what we were going to talk about later. You wined and dined me so I’d change my mind about meeting my father.”
“Don’t be stupid.”
Cadence realized the evening was done, the fun and games were over. Sad couldn’t even begin to describe her feelings. How twisted was that?
“Of course. How silly of me to think you were being charming because you cared for me.”
“I do care about you.”
She swallowed the last of her wine. He was quick to reach for the bottle. She shook her head. “No thanks.”
Their relationship was a sham. A lie.
“How much does Night and Night gain in fees if I inherit the thirty-seven million?”
His eyes darkened. “Is that what you think? I’m after your money?”
“What else could I think? You have this lavish lifestyle to maintain.”
“I thought this is what you wanted,” he bellowed.
Cadence wouldn’t be intimidated. She understood clearly he’d been after her money since the moment she walked into his office with her tale of woe about her inheritance. The two of them, Auntie Anne and Preston hadn’t come forward all these years to protect her but to preserve their own wealth.
She patted her mouth and set the lovely damask next to her plate. Her feet were like lead weights but she planted them and rose from her chair.
Preston did the same. “Where are you going?”
She lifted her gaze. She expected to see him seething in anger and was surprised he was calm. He looked as if she was testing his patience.
“I appreciate the special handling, the extra service.”
He reddened. “What are you suggesting?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean. That would be insulting.”
He hurried to her side and grabbed her by the shoulders. “How could you say such a thing?”
“Let me go.” She shrugged away. She’d thought she was in love with him, that he loved her back. She’d only been another conquest, a meal ticket for the firm.
MrTemptation Page 17
